A Day of Golfing with Trey

Trey Collich is my best man. The two of us have been buddies since the day I was brought home from the hospital. Trey has always been an easygoing, sweet brother. Whenever I would mess up the houses that Trey had built with his Lincoln logs, he wouldn’t lash out in anger, rather he would say, “Now look what you done, Pwesson!”  Trey and I always played sports together. We often came as a “brothers package” to baseball teams where all the coaches were delighted to have this dynamic duo. During games, one of us would pitch and the other would catch. The coaches always got a kick out of the talent they had received through the brothers. Even though I went to college far away from Trey, he was the one I always came home to hang out with. I will always consider my older brother my hero and my best friend.

Jeff at Target Practice

Jeff Wilson was the first person that I made friends with when I went to High School at Vines. The two of us were inseparable from the start. We would goof off in Senorita Dubin’s Spanish class, and run on the track together during P.E. We did everything together. As if 5 days a week wasn’t enough being together, I would hang out with him every weekend too. I frequently had Jeff over to my work to play a sport we made up…hockey-golf. Both Jeff and I decided to join the military in the sophomore year of high school and decided that we would take ROTC at Plano Senior High together. Jeff is a lighthearted guy who shares my same humor. We used to have fun by sneaking into a supply room to steal a bat from the supply sergeant. Although our military paths have led separate ways, we will be lifelong friends.

Mardi Gras with Chad

Chad Alford was the squinting smiley face that I first met when I moved to college. I wasn’t too sure about him when he said on the first night, “Doesn’t this feel like we’re at camp?” Chad and I were matched up as roommates for the next three years of college. Chad and I did everything together, including skipping freshman math a few times. We were in ROTC together, as well as Raider buddies. Chad’s family always took care of me while in college, and I consider them my own.

Mark Caponegro

Mark Caponegro received a scholarship the same time I received mine. I have known him for 4 years, but over the last two years Mark has become a great friend to me. He has always been there to listen to me as well as offer advice. We share many common interests, such as guitar, fishing, aviation, and going to get pints of ice cream together! Mark has a kind, genuine heart which I admire. Mark is a great friend and I look forward to being at flight school with him. I have been to “Desires” …and yes, it is a restaurant!

Commissioning Ceremony with Manny

Manuel Ruiz has called me sir more than anyone in my life, and this was in the first 5 minutes of meeting him. Manny was a quiet yet polite guy when I met him. He has turned into a great officer. Over the past year I have gotten really close to Manny and hang out with him more than anyone. Manny and I share the same passion … sports. Senior year had a daily cycle for Manny and I … classes, baseball/football, getting pizza together, then playing Madden Football. This lasted an entire year. I’m very close to Manny and love our friendship.